Patricia Ann (DeLong) Ryherd age 90, passed away November 19, 2025, surrounded by family at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. Pat was born February 8, 1935 in Waterloo the daughter of Nathaniel and Gladys (Ackerman) DeLong. She attended school at Hawthorne Elementary in Waterloo, then, later moved to the rural Dunkerton/Dewar area with her parents and three brothers. Pat enjoyed growing up in the country with her brothers. In high school Pat was involved in musical and play events and upon graduation from Dunkerton High School in 1952, married her high school sweetheart, Robert Weber. Bob was in the Marines stationed in Florida. They lived off base in Hialeah, Florida. After Bob finished his service in the Marines, they moved back home to the Jesup /Littleton area to be close to family. Bob and Pat later divorced. On February 12, 2000. Pat married John Ryherd. During their marriage they enjoyed dancing and would do so every chance they got. They also enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. They were married until his death in 2017.
Pat was an accomplished seamstress, she loved sewing. One year she made matching dresses for her three daughters and herself for Easter. Pat helped to establish Girl Scouts in 1962 in Jesup and served in a leadership capacity while her children were in Brownies in elementary, then through Cadets in high school. One of Pat’s favorite hobbies was camping with her young family beginning in 1955. She camped most of her life, beginning with a tent with no floor, then graduating to a motor home and travel trailer. She especially enjoyed fishing with her dad and spending time on or near the water at her parent’s cabins in Otterville or Harpers Ferry.
Pat worked as an aide at MHI and then worked second shift in the restaurant business for most of her life. Her favorite work years were in partnership with her best friend Cathy, as they co-managed the Gala Ball Room and Jungle Inn night club in Independence. Pat also enjoyed managing the Wapsipinicon Country Club for a few years. Pat worked as a hostess at the Twin Torch Inn for many years and then retired as a hotel/motel clerk at the Conway Inn.
Pat enjoyed attending many social and club events, gardening, and going out to eat. She has been involved in many organizations over the years such as the Fairbank Legion Auxiliary and Federated Women’s Club; Dunkerton Women’s Club and Sportsman Club, and the Red Hat Chicks. She especially enjoyed these highlights…being the Co-Chair for the Buchanan County Farm Bureau Women and receiving a Volunteer award from Governor Terry Branstad for her Dunkerton Senior Meals Coordination.
Preceded in Death by: Her Parents; Two brothers, Harold and Thomas DeLong; Twin siblings lost at birth, Paul and Pauline DeLong; Spouses, Robert Weber and John Ryherd.
Survived By: Three daughters, Debra (Ken) Strong of Cedar Rapids, Pamela Wolter of Denver, Angela (Scott) Grahm of Dunkerton; Two grandsons, Austin Graham, Tun (Judy) Than; Six granddaughters, Shawna Mahoney, Brianna Strong, Micah (Andrew) Knebel, Danielle (Ben) Rocca, Jessica (Josh) Meier, Ashley (Mike) Coffin; Seven great granddaughters; Seven great grandsons and one brother, James (Becky) DeLong
Services: 10:30 AM Monday, November 24, 2025, at Dunkerton Methodist Church in Dunkerton.
Visitation: 1:00-3:00 PM Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Woods Funeral Home in Fairbank and for one hour before Services Monday, November 24, 2025 at Dunkerton Methodist Church in Dunkerton.
Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Dunkerton
Memorials: May be directed to the family for later designation.